This article is for anyone new to the grievance process. We're going to answer 5 critical questions:
1. What is a grievance?
2. When should you file a grievance?
3. Why should you file a grievance?
4. What happens after you send in a grievance?
5. How to write a winning grievance?
What is a grievance?
A grievance is a form you send to our Union when you've been treated unfairly. The Union will discuss your situation with CTA and try to resolve it. If this does not work, the Union can send your case to a third party called an "arbitrator." They are like a judge who makes the final decision.
When should you file a grievance?
You must send your grievance in within 30 days or it's automatically denied by CTA.
What happens after you send in a grievance?
For 2-4 months the Union and CTA will try to agree on a good outcome. When they can't agree, our union has to decide if the grievance is worth paying an arbitrator to review.
The grievance is then voted on twice. First at the meeting only for union reps, and second at the general meeting. These are both held monthly.
If the union reps decline to send a grievance to arbitration (ending the process), the members at the general meeting can overrule this decision with a majority vote. This is why attending Union meetings is so important.
At both meetings you are able to present your grievance and answer questions. This is not required, but it does help.
Basic timeline:
30 days for CTA's Step 1 response.
30 days for Union to appeal.
30 days for CTA to hold appeal meeting.
30 days after appeal meeting for CTA's Step 2 response.
90 days for Union to send to arbitration.
Arbitration: ∞
How to write a winning grievance?
It is critical to include the date you were treated unfairly, specific language from our union contract, what you want fixed, and a request to "be made whole." This allows an arbitrator to give you more than you asked for.
I strongly advise that you review the grievance with your union rep. They may have experience with similar grievances and can help strengthen the technical language.
....Why do grievances matter anyway? (Bonus!)
A coworker told me recently, "Never make the mistake of thinking something at CTA has only happened to you."
Once you are familiar with the grievance process, you have a powerful tool that allows you to speak up for yourself and others. You can end cycles of abuse that have been happening for years with the right grievance.
More grievances = better working conditions for all of us.
Resources:
Union Contract (Searchable in Google Drive App)
Grievance Flow Chart (Courtesy of Chicago Transit Justice Coalition)
Grrreat tips!
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